Eddie Jones has been confirmed as England ’s new head coach on a four-year deal.

Jones, architect of Japan’s astonishing win over South Africa in this year's World Cup, accepted an offer to become the first foreigner to take charge of the Red Rose after meeting RFU kingmaker Ian Ritchie in London on Thursday.

Agreement was reached once Ritchie bought the 55-year-old’s release from Cape Town-based Super Rugby side Stormers for a figure believed to be £350,000.

Jones said: "The opportunity to take the reins in, possibly, the world’s most high profile international rugby job doesn’t come along every day however, and I feel fortunate to be given the opportunity.

In pictures — England become first World Cup hosts EVER eliminated at pool stage:

“I’m now looking forward to working with the RFU and the players to move beyond the disappointment England suffered at the World Cup and hope to build a new team that will reflect the level of talent that exists within the English game. I believe the future is bright for England.”

RFU chief Ian Ritchie added: "Eddie is a world-class coach, with extensive experience at the highest level with Australia, South Africa and Japan.

"We believe that the appointment, which was unanimously approved by the RFU Board, is the right one to bring England success in the short, medium and long term.”

Jones’ arrival in place of Stuart Lancaster signals all change in the England set-up, as he has complete freedom to pick his own coaching team.

Andy Farrell, Graham Rowntree and Mike Catt remain in position after England’s World Cup flop but Jones is likely to want Steve Borthwick as his forwards coach - as he was in the Japan set-up.

Alex Sanderson and Paul Gustard, who are coaches on the staff at London club Saracens, are others highly rated by Jones.

Ritchie has moved swiftly after only parting company with Lancaster nine days ago.

He is a man under enormous pressure after being left red-faced by his decision to award Lancaster a six-year contract extension only last autumn.

Jones satisfies the RFU criteria of possessing “proven international experience” — although not all of it is positive.

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He did reach two World Cup finals, both against England - winning with the Springboks under Jake White in 2007, four years after losing as the Wallabies' head man.

But he was axed by Australia in 2005 after seven straight losses, left Queensland when they finished BOTTOM of the Super Rugby table in 2007 and quit Saracens two years after that following a fall-out with the board.

“To create great winning teams, you often have to challenge the status quo — because that status quo has clearly failed,” Jones said recently.

England, with only one Six Nations title in 12 years, have been warned.